Quick facts about leukaemia
Leukaemia develops when white blood cells, which reside in our bone marrow (the soft tissue inside our bones), grow abnormally
Around 750 men and women will be diagnosed with leukaemia in New Zealand each year, representing 2-3% of all cancers diagnosed annually
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukaemia diagnosed in New Zealand adults
Types of leukaemia
There are four main types of leukaemia, depending on the type of white blood cell that is affected (either myeloid or lymphoid) and whether the cancer is fast growing (acute) or relatively slow growing (chronic):
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
ALL develops from immature lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. ALL progresses quickly and most commonly occurs in children under the age of four.
Learn more
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
AML develops from immature white blood cells called myeloblasts. It is the most common form of acute leukaemia in adults.
Learn more
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
CLL develops from abnormal white blood cells known as lymphocytes and is often very slow growing.
Learn more
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
CML develops from a type of myeloid cell called granulocytes. It typically grows slowly in the early phases but can transform into acute leukaemia.
Learn moreTreatment for leukaemia
There are many different types of treatment for leukaemia. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.
Helpful resources
References
More information
Become a patient
Find out how to become a patient at Bowen Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information.
Make an enquiry
Patient stories
Our patients share their inspiring journeys of courage, resilience and surviving cancer.
Read patient stories
Your care team
Icon’s cancer care team are here to support you with compassion, knowledge and hope.
Meet our care specialists
For family and whānau
While we understand that your loved one is your priority, it’s important to make time for yourself too.
Advice for carers